A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Autofill in Google Sheets

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Autofill in Google Sheets

Riley Walz

Riley Walz

Riley Walz

Jun 9, 2025

Jun 9, 2025

Jun 9, 2025

man working with google sheets - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets
man working with google sheets - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

You’re juggling a dozen tasks at once when you suddenly realize you need to create a budget for a new project. You open Google Sheets, and it’s like a blank slate staring you back in the face. Instead of wasting time figuring out how to get started, you want to dive right into the numbers. What would help you here is if you could auto-fill a template to get started.  Auto fill in Google Sheets can help you do just that. We will also teach you some amazing Google Sheets hacks.

And if you’re already familiar with how to do it, you can skip the boring part of setting up a spreadsheet and get to the fun part of analyzing your data. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to auto-fill in Google Sheets so you can get back to work.  Auto fill in Google Sheets will allow you to get more done in less time. With the number of tasks we all have to handle these days, saving even a few minutes here and there can help reduce our stress levels and improve our productivity. Spreadsheet AI tool can show you how to auto-fill in Google Sheets and even do it for you.  With this tool, you can save time and reduce errors by letting AI fill in your spreadsheets for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Auto Fill in Google Sheets

google sheets logo - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill is a built-in feature in Google Sheets that automatically detects and extends patterns in your data. It uses the information you give it, like a couple of numbers or a few dates, and fills in the rest for you. Instead of manually entering values one by one, you just drag a small square (called the Fill Handle) and let Google Sheets do the work. You can use Auto Fill for: 

  • Numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3…) Dates (e.g., Jan 1, Jan 2…) 

  • Days of the week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday…) 

  • Time intervals (e.g., 08:00, 08:30, 09:00…) 

  • Text patterns (e.g., Task 1, Task 2…) 

  • Even formulas (e.g., =A1+1, =A2+1…). 

The tool is incredibly flexible, working in both rows and columns, making it ideal for repetitive or incremental tasks.

Save Time With Auto Fill in Google Sheets

If you’ve ever spent time typing out a long list of numbers, dates, or times in a spreadsheet, Auto Fill is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. This feature is a real time-saver that can help you fill in information automatically based on existing data, avoiding repetitive manual entry. For example, let’s say you want to create a calendar from June 1 to July 31. Instead of typing out all the dates yourself, you could just enter two dates (June 1 and June 2) and let Auto Fill complete the rest in seconds. 

Reduce Mistakes With Auto Fill

Manual data entry can lead to errors, such as skipping a number or entering the wrong time. Auto Fill ensures every value follows a clear, consistent logic. For example, a student creating a study plan might accidentally repeat a date or miss a weekday when typing manually. Auto Fill prevents that by following the exact pattern set. 

Boost Productivity in Google Sheets

Auto Fill works beautifully for templates, logs, forms, trackers -- anywhere patterns are repeated. You focus on the data itself, not the input. For example, a freelancer updating their invoice template can fill task numbers (1 to 20) and hourly slots in one drag, instead of typing manually each time. 

Auto Fill Isn’t Just for Numbers

Auto Fill recognizes text patterns like “Session 1, Session 2…” and will continue them. It also works with formulas -- once you enter one, dragging the fill handle applies it across the range. Example: Let’s say you’re calculating “=A1*10” in a budget sheet. Just drag the formula down -- Auto Fill updates the formula for each row, saving you dozens of clicks.

Related Reading

Google Docs Hacks
Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
How to Use AI in Google Docs
How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets

How to Auto Fill Numbers in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide + Smart Tips)

person thinking - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Enter Initial Values: The First Step to Auto-Filling in Google Sheets 

To begin auto-filling in Google Sheets, enter the first number of your series into a cell. If you want a simple count (1, 2, 3…), just enter "1." If you wish to create a pattern (e.g., 2, 4, 6…), enter the first two numbers to help Google Sheets detect the increment. Examples: Enter 1 → For a basic count. Enter 5, then 10 → To increment by 5s. Enter 100, 90 → To count down by 10s. 

Select the Cell(s): Highlight What You Want to Auto Fill 

Now, click to highlight the first number. If using two numbers to show a pattern, select both cells together (click and drag or hold Shift). This tells Google Sheets to read the difference and repeat it across your selection. 

Use the Fill Handle: The Key to Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Next, hover your cursor over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell(s). A small blue square (Fill Handle) will appear. Drag this square down or across, depending on your layout, to automatically extend the number pattern. You’ll instantly see the numbers continue according to the rule you gave.

Release to Complete the Series: Finish Your Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Let go of the mouse when you've reached your desired endpoint. Google Sheets fills in the rest. Congratulations, you’ve just auto-filled numbers like a pro. 

Advanced Number Auto Fill Tips (For Faster, Smarter Work) 

For students organizing academic calendars, or solo operators managing inventory, here are advanced tricks to make number autofill even more powerful:  

Create Custom Sequences (Beyond +1) 

You don’t have to stick with simple counting. By entering a starting pair like 10 and 20, Sheets will continue the sequence at your defined interval (e.g., +10). Perfect for mileage logs, budget tracking, or invoice numbering. 

Use Formulas for Smarter Fills 

Type a formula like =A1+5, then drag it down. This applies dynamic logic row by row — great for scalable calculations or tracking progressive metrics. Example: A startup team tracking user growth might use =B2*1.1 to project a 10% increase per week. 

Use the Sequence Function for Instant Patterns 

Instead of dragging manually, enter a formula like: =SEQUENCE(10,1,1,2) This gives you 10 rows of numbers, starting at one and increasing by 2. Great for automated tables. 

Pair With Conditional Formatting 

Once you fill in your numbers, use conditional formatting to color-code results. This is helpful for quick visual scanning, especially if you're a student comparing scores or a marketer reviewing ad performance. 

Use Numerous to Pre-Fill or Expand Data Faster 

Here’s where it gets smart: Ask Numerous to generate a numbered list directly inside your sheet: "Create a sequence from 1 to 100 by 5s." Or prompt: "Fill column A with alternating 100 and 200 values down 20 rows." Numerous understands pattern logic and writes it for you — no dragging required. For busy operators or analysts, Numerous can also: 

  • Detect number formatting issues

  • Pre-fill data templates

  • Create randomized or conditional number series automatically. 

Even better: for founders who reuse number patterns (e.g., SKU codes or survey options), Numerous can generate multiple variations from a single prompt. Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet.

With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.

How to Auto Fill Dates and Times Together in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide)

man infront of laptop - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill Dates and Times in Google Sheets with the Fill Handle 

Google Sheets doesn’t have a one-click button to combine them by default, but with the proper steps and formulas, you can auto-fill date + time combinations efficiently. Let’s walk through multiple ways to do this.

Method 1: Manual Entry + Fill Handle (Best for Simple Series)

This method is excellent if you're working with a fixed interval, like 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on.

Step-by-Step
  1. In the first cell, type a full date-time value like: 01/06/2025 09:00 AM (Make sure your spreadsheet is set to recognize date-time formatting — it usually does automatically.)

  2. In the next cell below, type the next date-time value in the pattern you want, e.g.: 02/06/2025 09:00 AM (For same time, next day)

  3. Select both cells → Hover over the Fill Handle → Drag down.

Sheets recognizes the pattern and fills the rest of the cells with incremented dates but consistent time.

Tip

You can do this for hourly increments, too. 

For example 
  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

Drag down to fill the rest.

Method 2: Combine Date + Time Using Formulas (Best for Structured Grids)

This is ideal if you want fine control over how dates and times are generated and formatted. You can use the + operator to add time to a date in a formula.

Example

Let’s say cell A1 contains 01/06/2025. You want to add a time value of 09:00 AM to it.

`=A1 + TIME(9,0,0)`

Google Sheets interprets this as 9:00 AM on June 1st. You can then drag down the formula, and it’ll apply the time consistently to each date. 

If you want to increment both date and time, for example:

  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 11:00 AM

Use this

`=A1 + TIME(1,0,0)`

This adds 1 hour to each cell.

Method 3: Use SEQUENCE + ARRAYFORMULA (Fast + Scalable)

Let’s say you want to create 10 time blocks starting from 9 AM on June 1st. 

Use

`=ARRAYFORMULA(DATE(2025,6,1) + SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1)/24)`

SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1) creates 10 rows of hourly steps. /24 converts the step into hourly units. The formula adds 1 hour at a time. 

You’ll get
  • 01/06/2025 9:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

...and so on.

Formatting Tips for Date + Time

To make sure Google Sheets displays both the date and the time clearly:

  1. Highlight your cells

  2. Go to Format → Number → Custom date and time 

  3. Choose or enter a format like: dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm AM/PM 

This ensures the spreadsheet doesn’t drop the time display. 

How This Helps Our ICP (And Where Numerous Fits In)

Whether you're a: 

  • Student scheduling revision hours,

  • Content creator planning release dates,

  • Or a startup operator building an internal team rota...

You need consistent, error-free planning. Autofilling both dates and times saves hours of setup, especially for recurring events or workflows. That’s where tools like Numerous take it even further: You can ask: “Generate a 7-day calendar starting from June 1st with 4 hourly slots each day” — and it’ll create the full date-time grid for you. You can also prompt: “Add 30-minute intervals between 8 AM and 4 PM for each weekday in June”, and Numerous will populate your sheet intelligently. Finally, it helps clean up formats and fix misaligned sequences faster than manual adjustments. 

Related Reading

How to Automate Excel
What is Smartsheet
Google Docs AI Scraping
Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation

Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool

Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous Spreadsheet AI tool.

Related Reading

• Smartsheet vs Excel
• Google Sheets Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Sheets
• Excel Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives

You’re juggling a dozen tasks at once when you suddenly realize you need to create a budget for a new project. You open Google Sheets, and it’s like a blank slate staring you back in the face. Instead of wasting time figuring out how to get started, you want to dive right into the numbers. What would help you here is if you could auto-fill a template to get started.  Auto fill in Google Sheets can help you do just that. We will also teach you some amazing Google Sheets hacks.

And if you’re already familiar with how to do it, you can skip the boring part of setting up a spreadsheet and get to the fun part of analyzing your data. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to auto-fill in Google Sheets so you can get back to work.  Auto fill in Google Sheets will allow you to get more done in less time. With the number of tasks we all have to handle these days, saving even a few minutes here and there can help reduce our stress levels and improve our productivity. Spreadsheet AI tool can show you how to auto-fill in Google Sheets and even do it for you.  With this tool, you can save time and reduce errors by letting AI fill in your spreadsheets for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Auto Fill in Google Sheets

google sheets logo - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill is a built-in feature in Google Sheets that automatically detects and extends patterns in your data. It uses the information you give it, like a couple of numbers or a few dates, and fills in the rest for you. Instead of manually entering values one by one, you just drag a small square (called the Fill Handle) and let Google Sheets do the work. You can use Auto Fill for: 

  • Numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3…) Dates (e.g., Jan 1, Jan 2…) 

  • Days of the week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday…) 

  • Time intervals (e.g., 08:00, 08:30, 09:00…) 

  • Text patterns (e.g., Task 1, Task 2…) 

  • Even formulas (e.g., =A1+1, =A2+1…). 

The tool is incredibly flexible, working in both rows and columns, making it ideal for repetitive or incremental tasks.

Save Time With Auto Fill in Google Sheets

If you’ve ever spent time typing out a long list of numbers, dates, or times in a spreadsheet, Auto Fill is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. This feature is a real time-saver that can help you fill in information automatically based on existing data, avoiding repetitive manual entry. For example, let’s say you want to create a calendar from June 1 to July 31. Instead of typing out all the dates yourself, you could just enter two dates (June 1 and June 2) and let Auto Fill complete the rest in seconds. 

Reduce Mistakes With Auto Fill

Manual data entry can lead to errors, such as skipping a number or entering the wrong time. Auto Fill ensures every value follows a clear, consistent logic. For example, a student creating a study plan might accidentally repeat a date or miss a weekday when typing manually. Auto Fill prevents that by following the exact pattern set. 

Boost Productivity in Google Sheets

Auto Fill works beautifully for templates, logs, forms, trackers -- anywhere patterns are repeated. You focus on the data itself, not the input. For example, a freelancer updating their invoice template can fill task numbers (1 to 20) and hourly slots in one drag, instead of typing manually each time. 

Auto Fill Isn’t Just for Numbers

Auto Fill recognizes text patterns like “Session 1, Session 2…” and will continue them. It also works with formulas -- once you enter one, dragging the fill handle applies it across the range. Example: Let’s say you’re calculating “=A1*10” in a budget sheet. Just drag the formula down -- Auto Fill updates the formula for each row, saving you dozens of clicks.

Related Reading

Google Docs Hacks
Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
How to Use AI in Google Docs
How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets

How to Auto Fill Numbers in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide + Smart Tips)

person thinking - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Enter Initial Values: The First Step to Auto-Filling in Google Sheets 

To begin auto-filling in Google Sheets, enter the first number of your series into a cell. If you want a simple count (1, 2, 3…), just enter "1." If you wish to create a pattern (e.g., 2, 4, 6…), enter the first two numbers to help Google Sheets detect the increment. Examples: Enter 1 → For a basic count. Enter 5, then 10 → To increment by 5s. Enter 100, 90 → To count down by 10s. 

Select the Cell(s): Highlight What You Want to Auto Fill 

Now, click to highlight the first number. If using two numbers to show a pattern, select both cells together (click and drag or hold Shift). This tells Google Sheets to read the difference and repeat it across your selection. 

Use the Fill Handle: The Key to Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Next, hover your cursor over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell(s). A small blue square (Fill Handle) will appear. Drag this square down or across, depending on your layout, to automatically extend the number pattern. You’ll instantly see the numbers continue according to the rule you gave.

Release to Complete the Series: Finish Your Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Let go of the mouse when you've reached your desired endpoint. Google Sheets fills in the rest. Congratulations, you’ve just auto-filled numbers like a pro. 

Advanced Number Auto Fill Tips (For Faster, Smarter Work) 

For students organizing academic calendars, or solo operators managing inventory, here are advanced tricks to make number autofill even more powerful:  

Create Custom Sequences (Beyond +1) 

You don’t have to stick with simple counting. By entering a starting pair like 10 and 20, Sheets will continue the sequence at your defined interval (e.g., +10). Perfect for mileage logs, budget tracking, or invoice numbering. 

Use Formulas for Smarter Fills 

Type a formula like =A1+5, then drag it down. This applies dynamic logic row by row — great for scalable calculations or tracking progressive metrics. Example: A startup team tracking user growth might use =B2*1.1 to project a 10% increase per week. 

Use the Sequence Function for Instant Patterns 

Instead of dragging manually, enter a formula like: =SEQUENCE(10,1,1,2) This gives you 10 rows of numbers, starting at one and increasing by 2. Great for automated tables. 

Pair With Conditional Formatting 

Once you fill in your numbers, use conditional formatting to color-code results. This is helpful for quick visual scanning, especially if you're a student comparing scores or a marketer reviewing ad performance. 

Use Numerous to Pre-Fill or Expand Data Faster 

Here’s where it gets smart: Ask Numerous to generate a numbered list directly inside your sheet: "Create a sequence from 1 to 100 by 5s." Or prompt: "Fill column A with alternating 100 and 200 values down 20 rows." Numerous understands pattern logic and writes it for you — no dragging required. For busy operators or analysts, Numerous can also: 

  • Detect number formatting issues

  • Pre-fill data templates

  • Create randomized or conditional number series automatically. 

Even better: for founders who reuse number patterns (e.g., SKU codes or survey options), Numerous can generate multiple variations from a single prompt. Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet.

With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.

How to Auto Fill Dates and Times Together in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide)

man infront of laptop - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill Dates and Times in Google Sheets with the Fill Handle 

Google Sheets doesn’t have a one-click button to combine them by default, but with the proper steps and formulas, you can auto-fill date + time combinations efficiently. Let’s walk through multiple ways to do this.

Method 1: Manual Entry + Fill Handle (Best for Simple Series)

This method is excellent if you're working with a fixed interval, like 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on.

Step-by-Step
  1. In the first cell, type a full date-time value like: 01/06/2025 09:00 AM (Make sure your spreadsheet is set to recognize date-time formatting — it usually does automatically.)

  2. In the next cell below, type the next date-time value in the pattern you want, e.g.: 02/06/2025 09:00 AM (For same time, next day)

  3. Select both cells → Hover over the Fill Handle → Drag down.

Sheets recognizes the pattern and fills the rest of the cells with incremented dates but consistent time.

Tip

You can do this for hourly increments, too. 

For example 
  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

Drag down to fill the rest.

Method 2: Combine Date + Time Using Formulas (Best for Structured Grids)

This is ideal if you want fine control over how dates and times are generated and formatted. You can use the + operator to add time to a date in a formula.

Example

Let’s say cell A1 contains 01/06/2025. You want to add a time value of 09:00 AM to it.

`=A1 + TIME(9,0,0)`

Google Sheets interprets this as 9:00 AM on June 1st. You can then drag down the formula, and it’ll apply the time consistently to each date. 

If you want to increment both date and time, for example:

  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 11:00 AM

Use this

`=A1 + TIME(1,0,0)`

This adds 1 hour to each cell.

Method 3: Use SEQUENCE + ARRAYFORMULA (Fast + Scalable)

Let’s say you want to create 10 time blocks starting from 9 AM on June 1st. 

Use

`=ARRAYFORMULA(DATE(2025,6,1) + SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1)/24)`

SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1) creates 10 rows of hourly steps. /24 converts the step into hourly units. The formula adds 1 hour at a time. 

You’ll get
  • 01/06/2025 9:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

...and so on.

Formatting Tips for Date + Time

To make sure Google Sheets displays both the date and the time clearly:

  1. Highlight your cells

  2. Go to Format → Number → Custom date and time 

  3. Choose or enter a format like: dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm AM/PM 

This ensures the spreadsheet doesn’t drop the time display. 

How This Helps Our ICP (And Where Numerous Fits In)

Whether you're a: 

  • Student scheduling revision hours,

  • Content creator planning release dates,

  • Or a startup operator building an internal team rota...

You need consistent, error-free planning. Autofilling both dates and times saves hours of setup, especially for recurring events or workflows. That’s where tools like Numerous take it even further: You can ask: “Generate a 7-day calendar starting from June 1st with 4 hourly slots each day” — and it’ll create the full date-time grid for you. You can also prompt: “Add 30-minute intervals between 8 AM and 4 PM for each weekday in June”, and Numerous will populate your sheet intelligently. Finally, it helps clean up formats and fix misaligned sequences faster than manual adjustments. 

Related Reading

How to Automate Excel
What is Smartsheet
Google Docs AI Scraping
Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation

Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool

Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous Spreadsheet AI tool.

Related Reading

• Smartsheet vs Excel
• Google Sheets Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Sheets
• Excel Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives

You’re juggling a dozen tasks at once when you suddenly realize you need to create a budget for a new project. You open Google Sheets, and it’s like a blank slate staring you back in the face. Instead of wasting time figuring out how to get started, you want to dive right into the numbers. What would help you here is if you could auto-fill a template to get started.  Auto fill in Google Sheets can help you do just that. We will also teach you some amazing Google Sheets hacks.

And if you’re already familiar with how to do it, you can skip the boring part of setting up a spreadsheet and get to the fun part of analyzing your data. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to auto-fill in Google Sheets so you can get back to work.  Auto fill in Google Sheets will allow you to get more done in less time. With the number of tasks we all have to handle these days, saving even a few minutes here and there can help reduce our stress levels and improve our productivity. Spreadsheet AI tool can show you how to auto-fill in Google Sheets and even do it for you.  With this tool, you can save time and reduce errors by letting AI fill in your spreadsheets for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Auto Fill in Google Sheets

google sheets logo - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill is a built-in feature in Google Sheets that automatically detects and extends patterns in your data. It uses the information you give it, like a couple of numbers or a few dates, and fills in the rest for you. Instead of manually entering values one by one, you just drag a small square (called the Fill Handle) and let Google Sheets do the work. You can use Auto Fill for: 

  • Numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3…) Dates (e.g., Jan 1, Jan 2…) 

  • Days of the week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday…) 

  • Time intervals (e.g., 08:00, 08:30, 09:00…) 

  • Text patterns (e.g., Task 1, Task 2…) 

  • Even formulas (e.g., =A1+1, =A2+1…). 

The tool is incredibly flexible, working in both rows and columns, making it ideal for repetitive or incremental tasks.

Save Time With Auto Fill in Google Sheets

If you’ve ever spent time typing out a long list of numbers, dates, or times in a spreadsheet, Auto Fill is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. This feature is a real time-saver that can help you fill in information automatically based on existing data, avoiding repetitive manual entry. For example, let’s say you want to create a calendar from June 1 to July 31. Instead of typing out all the dates yourself, you could just enter two dates (June 1 and June 2) and let Auto Fill complete the rest in seconds. 

Reduce Mistakes With Auto Fill

Manual data entry can lead to errors, such as skipping a number or entering the wrong time. Auto Fill ensures every value follows a clear, consistent logic. For example, a student creating a study plan might accidentally repeat a date or miss a weekday when typing manually. Auto Fill prevents that by following the exact pattern set. 

Boost Productivity in Google Sheets

Auto Fill works beautifully for templates, logs, forms, trackers -- anywhere patterns are repeated. You focus on the data itself, not the input. For example, a freelancer updating their invoice template can fill task numbers (1 to 20) and hourly slots in one drag, instead of typing manually each time. 

Auto Fill Isn’t Just for Numbers

Auto Fill recognizes text patterns like “Session 1, Session 2…” and will continue them. It also works with formulas -- once you enter one, dragging the fill handle applies it across the range. Example: Let’s say you’re calculating “=A1*10” in a budget sheet. Just drag the formula down -- Auto Fill updates the formula for each row, saving you dozens of clicks.

Related Reading

Google Docs Hacks
Best AI Tools for Data Analysis
Can ChatGPT Analyze Excel Data
How to Use AI in Google Docs
How to Analyze Data in Google Sheets

How to Auto Fill Numbers in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide + Smart Tips)

person thinking - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Enter Initial Values: The First Step to Auto-Filling in Google Sheets 

To begin auto-filling in Google Sheets, enter the first number of your series into a cell. If you want a simple count (1, 2, 3…), just enter "1." If you wish to create a pattern (e.g., 2, 4, 6…), enter the first two numbers to help Google Sheets detect the increment. Examples: Enter 1 → For a basic count. Enter 5, then 10 → To increment by 5s. Enter 100, 90 → To count down by 10s. 

Select the Cell(s): Highlight What You Want to Auto Fill 

Now, click to highlight the first number. If using two numbers to show a pattern, select both cells together (click and drag or hold Shift). This tells Google Sheets to read the difference and repeat it across your selection. 

Use the Fill Handle: The Key to Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Next, hover your cursor over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell(s). A small blue square (Fill Handle) will appear. Drag this square down or across, depending on your layout, to automatically extend the number pattern. You’ll instantly see the numbers continue according to the rule you gave.

Release to Complete the Series: Finish Your Auto Fill in Google Sheets 

Let go of the mouse when you've reached your desired endpoint. Google Sheets fills in the rest. Congratulations, you’ve just auto-filled numbers like a pro. 

Advanced Number Auto Fill Tips (For Faster, Smarter Work) 

For students organizing academic calendars, or solo operators managing inventory, here are advanced tricks to make number autofill even more powerful:  

Create Custom Sequences (Beyond +1) 

You don’t have to stick with simple counting. By entering a starting pair like 10 and 20, Sheets will continue the sequence at your defined interval (e.g., +10). Perfect for mileage logs, budget tracking, or invoice numbering. 

Use Formulas for Smarter Fills 

Type a formula like =A1+5, then drag it down. This applies dynamic logic row by row — great for scalable calculations or tracking progressive metrics. Example: A startup team tracking user growth might use =B2*1.1 to project a 10% increase per week. 

Use the Sequence Function for Instant Patterns 

Instead of dragging manually, enter a formula like: =SEQUENCE(10,1,1,2) This gives you 10 rows of numbers, starting at one and increasing by 2. Great for automated tables. 

Pair With Conditional Formatting 

Once you fill in your numbers, use conditional formatting to color-code results. This is helpful for quick visual scanning, especially if you're a student comparing scores or a marketer reviewing ad performance. 

Use Numerous to Pre-Fill or Expand Data Faster 

Here’s where it gets smart: Ask Numerous to generate a numbered list directly inside your sheet: "Create a sequence from 1 to 100 by 5s." Or prompt: "Fill column A with alternating 100 and 200 values down 20 rows." Numerous understands pattern logic and writes it for you — no dragging required. For busy operators or analysts, Numerous can also: 

  • Detect number formatting issues

  • Pre-fill data templates

  • Create randomized or conditional number series automatically. 

Even better: for founders who reuse number patterns (e.g., SKU codes or survey options), Numerous can generate multiple variations from a single prompt. Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet.

With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous’s ChatGPT for spreadsheets tool.

How to Auto Fill Dates and Times Together in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide)

man infront of laptop - How to Auto Fill in Google Sheets

Auto Fill Dates and Times in Google Sheets with the Fill Handle 

Google Sheets doesn’t have a one-click button to combine them by default, but with the proper steps and formulas, you can auto-fill date + time combinations efficiently. Let’s walk through multiple ways to do this.

Method 1: Manual Entry + Fill Handle (Best for Simple Series)

This method is excellent if you're working with a fixed interval, like 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on.

Step-by-Step
  1. In the first cell, type a full date-time value like: 01/06/2025 09:00 AM (Make sure your spreadsheet is set to recognize date-time formatting — it usually does automatically.)

  2. In the next cell below, type the next date-time value in the pattern you want, e.g.: 02/06/2025 09:00 AM (For same time, next day)

  3. Select both cells → Hover over the Fill Handle → Drag down.

Sheets recognizes the pattern and fills the rest of the cells with incremented dates but consistent time.

Tip

You can do this for hourly increments, too. 

For example 
  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

Drag down to fill the rest.

Method 2: Combine Date + Time Using Formulas (Best for Structured Grids)

This is ideal if you want fine control over how dates and times are generated and formatted. You can use the + operator to add time to a date in a formula.

Example

Let’s say cell A1 contains 01/06/2025. You want to add a time value of 09:00 AM to it.

`=A1 + TIME(9,0,0)`

Google Sheets interprets this as 9:00 AM on June 1st. You can then drag down the formula, and it’ll apply the time consistently to each date. 

If you want to increment both date and time, for example:

  • 01/06/2025 09:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 11:00 AM

Use this

`=A1 + TIME(1,0,0)`

This adds 1 hour to each cell.

Method 3: Use SEQUENCE + ARRAYFORMULA (Fast + Scalable)

Let’s say you want to create 10 time blocks starting from 9 AM on June 1st. 

Use

`=ARRAYFORMULA(DATE(2025,6,1) + SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1)/24)`

SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1) creates 10 rows of hourly steps. /24 converts the step into hourly units. The formula adds 1 hour at a time. 

You’ll get
  • 01/06/2025 9:00 AM

  • 01/06/2025 10:00 AM

...and so on.

Formatting Tips for Date + Time

To make sure Google Sheets displays both the date and the time clearly:

  1. Highlight your cells

  2. Go to Format → Number → Custom date and time 

  3. Choose or enter a format like: dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm AM/PM 

This ensures the spreadsheet doesn’t drop the time display. 

How This Helps Our ICP (And Where Numerous Fits In)

Whether you're a: 

  • Student scheduling revision hours,

  • Content creator planning release dates,

  • Or a startup operator building an internal team rota...

You need consistent, error-free planning. Autofilling both dates and times saves hours of setup, especially for recurring events or workflows. That’s where tools like Numerous take it even further: You can ask: “Generate a 7-day calendar starting from June 1st with 4 hourly slots each day” — and it’ll create the full date-time grid for you. You can also prompt: “Add 30-minute intervals between 8 AM and 4 PM for each weekday in June”, and Numerous will populate your sheet intelligently. Finally, it helps clean up formats and fix misaligned sequences faster than manual adjustments. 

Related Reading

How to Automate Excel
What is Smartsheet
Google Docs AI Scraping
Google Sheets Data Visualization
• How to Auto Sum in Google Sheets
• Google Docs Automation

Make Decisions At Scale Through AI With Numerous AI’s Spreadsheet AI Tool

Numerous is an AI-powered tool that enables content marketers, E-Commerce businesses, and more to automate tasks many times over through AI, such as writing SEO blog posts, generating hashtags, mass categorizing products with sentiment analysis and classification, and many more functions by simply dragging down a cell in a spreadsheet. With a simple prompt, Numerous returns any spreadsheet function, complex or straightforward, within seconds. The capabilities of Numerous are endless. It is versatile and can be used with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Get started today with Numerous.ai so that you can make business decisions at scale using AI, in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Learn more about how you can 10x your marketing efforts with Numerous Spreadsheet AI tool.

Related Reading

• Smartsheet vs Excel
• Google Sheets Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Sheets
• Excel Alternatives
• Best Add Ons for Google Docs
• Smartsheet Alternatives